Writing instrument filling device



1959 N. ZEPELOVITCH 2,874,732

WRITING INSTRUMENT FILLING DEV-ICE Filed Oct. 10, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet I.

. IN VEN TOR. A/ATH/IN ZEPELOV/7CH LDMZW,

ATTOE/VEV Feb. 24, 1959 N. ZEPELOVITCH 2,874,732

WRITING INSTRUMENT FILLING DEVICE Filed Oct. 10, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Tia. lE.

IIIIIIIIII/l IN VEN TOR.

ATTORNEY A/ATHAN Z EPELOV/TCW- Feb. 24, 11959-1 :NQZEPELIOVITCH 2,87

' WRITING msTu ENT FILLINGDEVICE Filed 0a.. 10,1955 5Sheets-Sheet 4 i I INVENTOR. A AUM/V Z5 51 owe/1 F 1959 N. ZEPELOVITCH" WRITING INSTRUMENT FILLING DEVICE v INVENTOR. l I r Mzmw/v Zmqmm/ Arm/aw 2,874,732 WRITING INSTRUMENT FILLING DEVICE Application October 10, 1956, Serial No. 615,047

15 Claims. c1. 141-30 This invention relates to filling devices for writing instruments and particularly to an automatic filling device for fountain pens. This application is a continuation-inpart of my application Serial No. 502,884, filed April 21, 1955 now abandoned for Writing Instrument Filling Device. a

Conventional fluid ink fountain pens are usually filled by the pumping action of an internally disposed filling mechanism which creates successive pressure variations within the ink reservoir of the pen in response to manual actuation of a plunger or a lever. The conventional filling mechanisms utilizing either a plunger or a lever, in addition to necessarily limiting the space available for an ink reservoir within the barrel of the writing instrument are, due to lack of space, usually relatively delicately constructed. This construction usually results in increase in 9 both the production and ultimate cost of the unit and also oftentimes results in a shortened usefullife of the unit due to breakage or other defection of the filling mechanism.

Apart from the above, filling of the conventional type fountain pen is usually a rather inconvenient and relatively sloppy procedure requiring a careful insertion, depthwise, of the writing instrument into the ink supply and the maintenance ofthat position during the filling operation. Certain common expedients, such as tiltable bottles or bottles having an auxiliary internal well disposed adjacent the neck thereof, are conventionally utilized to ameliorate this defect and to maintain apredetermined required ink level for filling purposes. In any event, filling of the conventional type writing instrument is usually accompanied by a required cleansing of the portion of the pen barrel adjacent the writing tip. An attempt to obviate thisobjectional feature has been revealed by recent developments in the field wherein a retractable tube is utilized for filling purposes. However,

use of such an expedient necessarily adds to the manufacturing difficulties and ultimate cost of the finished product.

This inventionv may be briefly described as a fluid ink nited States Patent 0 i 2,874,732 Patented Feb. 24, 1959 sity for inclusion of self-contained filling mechanisms Writing instrument filling device for automatically eft'ecting a simple, rapid, clean and efiicient filling of fluid ink writing instruments. The invention includes a manually deformable member in association with an automatically operable valve member for effecting, in timed relation, the necessary sequential pressurevariations for automatic evacuation and filling of the ink reservoir of a writing instrument insertable in operating relationship therein with writing fluid. I

Among the advantages attendant the present invention are the provisions of a self-contained leak-proof fluid ink supply having the filling device permanently secured there-- to in hermetic relation, the elimination of the soilage hazards conventionally attendant the filling of fluid ink writing instruments, a permitted more efficient utilization of the reservoir capacities of present day fountain pens and the permitted simplification of fountain pen-type writing instruments through the dispensing of any necestherein with its attendant cost savings to the general publie.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a simple and automatic filling device for fluid-type writing instruments.

Another object of this invention is to provide a fluidtype writing instrument filling device disposed externally of and separate from the writing instrument thereby permitting utilization of an ink reservoir in fountain pens of greater capacity than heretofore possible through the permitted dispensing of an integral filling mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide an automatic filling device for fountain pens that is simple and inexpensive in construction and which permits a fountain; M pen to be filled with writing fluid in a rapid, clean and simple manner.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a leak-proof fluid ink container that permits automatic filling of fluid ink writing instruments and is of a character that is simply and inexpensively constructed.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed out in the following disclosure and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which describe by way of example the principle of the invention and p the presently preferred embodiments of the filling device applying this principle.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of an automatic writing instrument-filling mechanism forming the subject matter of this invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view on the line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a modified form of valve mech anism adapted for use with the embodiment of the invention heretofore illustrated;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a plan view of another modified form of valve mechanism adapted for use with the embodiment of the invention heretofore disclosed;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view on the line 7-7 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of an alternative and presently preferred embodiment of an automatic writing instrumentfilling mechanism incorporating the principles of this invention.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view on the line 10-10 of Fig.

9 and showing the normal disposition of the component elements thereof;

Fig. 11 is a sectional View similar to that illustrated in Fig. 10 but showing the disposition of the component elements thereof at a specific point in the operative cycle.

Fig. 14 is a sectional view on the line 1414 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 15 is a sectional view on the line 1515 of Fig. l4 and showing the normal disposition of the illustrated elements thereof;

Fig. 16 is a sectional view similar to that illustrated in Fig. 15 but showing the disposition, in somewhat exaggerated form, of theillustrated elements at a specific point in the operative cycle.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view'of a modified valve mechanism adapted for use with the embodiments of the invention heretofore illustrated;

Fig. 18 is a sectional view on the line 18-18 of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is a sectional view of a modified form of cover member adapted for use in the embodiments of the invention heretofore illustrated;

Fig. 20 is a sectional view of a modified construction of an automatic writing instrument-filling device incorporating the principles of this invention;

Fig. 21 is .a plan view of one of the components included in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 20;

Fig. 22 is a section on the line 2222 of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is a sectional. view of another modified con struction of an automatic writing instrument filling device incorporating the principles of this invention; and

Fig. 24 is a sectional view of still another modified construction of an automatic writing instrument filling device incorporating the principles of this invention.

Referring to Figs 1-3, one; embodiment of an automatic writing instrument. filling device incorporating. the principles ofthis invention is there illustratedinstatic operative relationship with a fluid ink. container. As there illustrated the filling device is permanently, mounted in hermetic relation on a suitable receiving flange 19 formed above the threaded neck portion 12 of anink container 14. A suitable closure-cap, as illustratedby the dotted lines 16, adaptedto engage the threaded neck portion 12, may be provided to cover the complete unit when not in use. In this embodiment there is included a horizontally disposed deformable diaphragm member 18 suitably formed or molded from rubber or other, suitable deformable and resilient material and premounted in hermetic relation with the container 14. Integral with the diaphragm 18 and preferably centrally disposed with respect to the neck 12 of the container 14 is an upwardly extending writing instrument-receiving member 20 having a readily deformable bore 22 contoured to receive and engage the varying size nib portions of various types and sizes of fountain pens in air and liquidtight engagement. Dependent from and integral with the lower end ofthe writing instrument receiving member 20 and in air and fluid communication with the interior bore thereof is an elongated tube 24 preferably shaped as illustrated in Fig. 3, and made of the same rubber or other deformable material as is the remainder of the unit. The tube 24 should be of a length sufficient to extend well into the fluid ink disposed Within the ink container 14. The shape of the writing instrument-receiving bore 22 and the tube 24, together with their deformability, permits utilization of the unit with. fountain pens of almost every nib configuration including those of the so-called shrouded nib construction. As illustrated in Fig. 2, in the illustrated unitary construction, it is also preferable to include a ring 26 of metal immediately adjacent the junction of the writing instrument-receiving unit 26 and the surface of the diaphragm 18 to aid in uniform deformation in operation and to add to the mechanical strength of the unit. The diaphragm member 18 is provided with a small pressure relief passage 28 which is adapted to be closed by a valve member generally designated 30; The valve member 30, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, may comprise a flap of deformable material such as rubber, secured as at 32 adjacent to the passage 28 and of sufiicient extent to overlie the passage 28 as at 34.

In operation of the illustrated unit, the closure cap 16 is removed from the ink container 14 and the nib portion of; a writing instrument such as a fountain pen is inserted into the bore 22 of the writing instrumentreceiving member 20 sov that the inserted unit is hermetically engaged thereby and the writing point thereof is in direct communication with the dependent tube 24. Manual downward depression of the fountain pen results in a deformation of the diaphragm member 18 into the container 14 and in an accompanying initial pressure increase therewithin duetothe decrease in volume thereof. The initial pressure increase within the ink container 14 is automatically relieved by the upward displacement 4 of the valve member 30 in response thereto. The automatic actuation of the valve member 30 permits an outward displacement of air from within the ink container to the atmosphere through the passage 28 and thereby permits a continual equalization of the pressure within and without the ink container 14 and within the ink reservoir of the pen being filled. When the manual downward displacement of the fountain pen is halted and an upward-displacement thereof is then permittedby the reformation of the deformable diaphragm 18, the pressure within the ink container l4 is initially-decreased.due to the increase in volume within the container. The decrease in pressure within. the ink container. results. in immediate closure. of. the pressure relief passage 28 by the valve member 30 under the influence of external atmospheric pressure. Further upward displacement of the fountain pen and diaphragm 18 results in a further pressure decrease withinthe container. This pressure decrease within the container in combination with the atmospheric pressure extant within the ink reservoir of the pen beingfilled elfects a pressure unbalance which results in an automatic evacuation of the contents of the reservoir of the pen via the writing instrument-receiving unit 20 and tube 24 and in a lowering of the pressure within the pens ink reservoir.

When the diaphragm 18 assumes its undeformed position, sufficient air willleak in around the flap-type valve 30 to permit an air flow into the container 14 and an equalization of atmospheric pressure both within and without the container. This increase to atmospheric pressure within the container in combination with thenow reduced pressure within the ink reservoir of the. pen results in a forcing of fluid ink into saidink reservoir through the tube 24 and the writing instrument-receiving unit 20.

Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternative type of valve construction for use withthe previously described embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5 the deformable diaphragm 18 is provided with a pressure relief passage 28 as previously described. The illustrated valve member, generally designated 36, includes a. strip of deformable material 38 such as rubber secured at either end, as at 40, and biased so that when the diaphragm member 18 is in undeformed condition the center portion 42 thereof is disposed slightly above the surface of the diaphragm and out of engagement with the pressure relief aperture 28 therein. In operation of this type of valve member, deformation of the diaphragm 18 in response to manual depression of a fountain pen will result in a stretching of diaphragm 18 and the strip 33. and in a closure of the aperture28 by the central portion 42 thereof during the reformation of the diaphragm until t he diaphragm returns to its undeformed condition at which time the valve will automatically open.

Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate still another alternative type of valve construction for use with the previously described embodiments of the invention. In this embodiment the pressure relief passage is formed of a radially disposed narrow slit 44 in the surface of the deformable diaphragm member 18. The radially disposed slit 44 is preformed.

so that the defining edges thereof are upwardly disposed and thereby serve the dual function of defining a readily closable pressure relief passage as well as to provide adjacent properly disposed surfaces against which atmospheric pressure may operate to close the defined slit 44. In operation of a unit equipped with this type of valve construction, downward depression of the center of the diaphragm results in an elongation of the radially disposed pressure relief passage and in a narrowing of the width of the slit, with absolute closure thereof being prevented by the increase in pressure within the container. licformation of the diaphragm in response to release of the manual downward deforming pressure results, as explained in detail earlier in this specification, in a momentary. decrease of the pressure within the container below that of atmospheric pressure. This pressure unbalance estates pheric pressure and in a maintenance of said closure until the diaphragm returns to or closely approaches its undeformed configuration at which time the slit 44 will automatically reopen and subject the interior of the container to atmospheric pressure.

Turning now to Figs. 816, which illustrate the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a generally cylindrical ink container 50 of glass or clear plastic having a Well 52 centrally disposed in the preferably downwardly sloping base portion thereof to permit maximum utilization of a fluid ink supply 54 contained therein. The upper portion of the illustrated container 50 is provided with a pair of internally directed shoulders 56, 58 in staggered relationship with the shoulder 58 being disposed inwardly from and somewhat above the shoulder 56. The lower'shoulder 56 is of sufficient depth to accommodate the dependent peripheral edge portion 60 of an annular apertured closure cap 62 and to provide an outer surface of smooth and uniform external diameter and of pleasing appearance. The closure cap 62 may be conveniently molded of suitable plastic and the horizontally disposed upper surface 64 thereof is provided with a pair of relatively small circular apertures 66 and 68 and a preferably centrally disposed relatively large aperture 70. As illustrated in the drawings the relatively small apertures 66 and 68 are disposed on either side of the centrally disposed relatively large aperture 70 and are positioned so that the centers of all the apertures are disposed on a diameter of the cap'62.

The upper shoulder 58 of the container 50 is of suflicient depth to accommodate the dependent peripheral edge portion 72 of a resilient deformable member, generally designated 74, and to provide for apermanent hermetic engagement thereof intermediate the adjacent sidewall 76 of the container 50 and the adjacent inner surface of the independent edge portion 60 of the closure cap 62. If desired, suitable adhesives may be used during assembly to permanently secure the closure cap 62 to the container 50 and the dependent edge 72 of the deformable member 74 to the container 50 and the dependent edge 60 of the closure member 62 although careful proportioning of the dimensions of the various members will permit the attaining of the desired permanent hermetic sealing relationship by a press fit.

The deformable member 74, which may be molded of rubber or other suitable resilient deformable material or may be formed by a latex-dipping operation, is shaped to provide a dependent peripheral edge portion 72 as above mentioned and a relatively thin circular body portion 78 having a relatively small centrally disposed writing instrument-receiving aperture 80 disposed in axial relationship with the aperture 70 in the closure cap 62.

In addition thereto, the body portion 78 is provided with a small venting aperture 82 spaced a predetermined distancefrom said writing instrument-receiving aperture so as to be disposed beneath the portion of the cover member positioned intermediate one of the relatively small apertures 66 or 68 and the centrally disposed relatively large aperture 70 therein. The writing instrument-receiving aperture 80 is sized to engage the nib portion of a writing instrument inserted therein and to be deformed thereby so as to surround, in substantially hermetic engagement, the barrel or other portion of the writing instrument disposed above the nib thereof.

Dependent from the underside of the deformable member 74 and formed integral therewith is a dependent conduit member 84. As best shown in Figs. 10, 12 and 13, the conduit member 84 is provided with a circular upper portion 86 at the point of juncture with the underside of the body portion 78 of the deformable member 74 and is concentrically disposed around the writing instrument-receiving aperture therein. The circular upper portion 86 merges into a flattened section 88 of generally rectangular cross-section disposed closely adjacent the underside of the body portion 7810f the deformable member 74. Said flattened section 88 is formed so that the inner surfaces thereof are normally disposed in substantially liquid-tight contact as at 90. This configuration may be suitably formed during or after the molding or dipping operation and if desired an increased wall thickness may be provided at this location to aid in the obtaining and maintaining of a substantially liquid-tight seal thereat.

As best shown in Fig. 12 the dependent portion 92 of the conduit member 84 is of sufficient. length to extend closely adjacent the bottom of the well 52 when the illustrated component elements are disposed in their static position as illustrated in Fig. 10. The dependent portion 92 of the conduit member 84 is of substantially rectangular cross-section and of gradually decreasingtransverse dimension. The dependent end 94 thereof is of relatively small dimension and is preferably formed with an increased wall thickness so as to assure maintenance of the opening 96 therein under all conditions of operation.

Disposed intermediate the upper surface of the deformable member 74 and the underside of the closure cap 62 is a displaceable pressure plate generally designated 100. The pressure plate100 includes a pair of upwardly directed button members 102 and 104 positioned within, and sized to be displaceable through, the relatively small apertures 66 and 68 of the cover plate 62 and an upwardly directed writing instrument-receiving member 106 sized to be displaceably contained within the relatively large aperture 70 in said closure cap. The writing instrument-receiving member 106 is provided with an enlarged bore 108 on the upper surface thereof in axial relationship with the aperture in the deformable member 74 and is sized to receive and position the barrel portion. of a writing instrument insertable therein. Intermediate the button member 102 and the writing instrument-receiving member 106 is a circular venting aperture 110 formed by the downwardly directed annular flange 112. The annular flange 112 is positioned and sized to be disposed within the venting aperture 82 in the deformable member 74 as best illustrated in Fig. 10 and to thereby define the size of the venting aperture 110 in the assembled unit.

The circular aperture 110 is covered by a pressure displaceable valve member generally designated 114. As best shown in Figs. 10, 11 and 14-16, the valve-member 114 may comprise a flap 116 of deformable material such as rubber or plastic, secured as at 118 adjacent to the aperture 110 and of sufficient length to overlie said aperture as at 120. Cooperating with the valve member 114 is a venting channel 122 on the upper surface of the pressure plate 100. The venting channel 122 is of a length to extend slightly beyond the edge portion of the flap 116 and terminates within the aperture 110. As best shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the venting channel 122 is of gradually increasing depth, with the point of greatest depth coming at the intersection thereof with dependent annular flange 112 defining the aperture 110.

In an assembled unit the static positioning of the component parts is as shown in Fig. 10. As illustrated the deformable member 74 maintains the pressure plate biased against the underside of the closure cap 62, thereby maintaining the valve member 114 over the 'venting aperture and biased thereagainst. The flattened section 88 of conduit member 84 has, as described earlier, its inner surfaces disposed in liquid-tight relationship. The only opening into the interior of the container with the parts so positioned is at the juncture of the venting channel 122 and the edge of the valve flap 116. This opening is'of such diminutive size; however, that absent a pressure differential, the surface tension of the fluid 8 tion, there is provided, in the practical sense, a leak:proof unit.

In operation of the above described unit, the nib portionof a writing instrument such as a fountain pen 18 then manually. inserted into the bore 1% of the writing instrument-receiving member Y106 and the nib portion thereof is guided therebylandintroduced intovthe receivingaperture 8b in .said deformable member 74. A slight downward pressure on the inserted writing instrument results in insertion of the nib portion thereof into the normally sealedv portion 90 ,of the flattened section 88 of the conduit member 84.and in hermetic engagement of the barrel or other portionof the writinginstrument' disposed immediately abovethe nib portion thereof by the. nowldeformed aperture 89. With the writing in.- strumentso positioned theinserted. nib portionwill: be closely surrounded by. the previouslyflattened portion W of the conduitmembenfid. When properly insertedas set forth above, the barrelor other portion of the writing instrumentwillbe hermetically. engaged by the now de-' formed aperture 80 in the deformable member. 74.21nd the ink reservoir of the writing instrument will be in direct communicationwith the interior of the container 50 through the dependent. conduit member 84; With the pen so positioned, a manual downward depression of the button members 162. and 1% relative to the closure cap.62;results in, a downward displacement of the pressure plate 106 The downward displacement of the pressure plate 100. effects a concomitant downward displacement of the deformable member 74 and deformation of the same. Thedownward displacementof the deformable member 74 results in a volume decrease within the container 50. The pressure increase within the container 501accompanying the. volume decrease therewithinis automatically relieved through the venting aperture llobythejupward displacement of the portion of valve member lldlying thereover in response to the difference between the atmospheric pressure and that extantwithin the container. The venting aperture 110 is sizedsoas. to permit an, unimpeded outflow of air at a sufi icient rate during the downward displacement of the deformable member. 74 to prevent any substantial pressure buildup withinthe container 59 at that time. As such, during the downward displacement of the deformable. member 74, suflicient air will escape from the interior of thecontainerSllthrough the venting aperture 110 so asto maintain the pressure within the container s listantiallyequivalent= to that of the atmosphere externally of the container, Since the pressure extant within the ink'reservoir of the writing instrument is also t that of the atmosphere no, fluid or air flow will place into ortherefromthrough the conduit 84.

When the manual downward displacement of the pressure plate 100 is halted, a release of the button members 102 and 104 results in an immediate and rapid upward displacement of the pressure plate 1% in response to reformation of the deformable member 74 to its undeformed condition. The rapid initial upward displacement of the deformable member 74 results in rapid volume increase within thecontainer 50 and attendant pressure decrease therewithin. This rapid decrease in pressure within the container 50. in conjunction with the atmospheric pressure acting on the upper surface of the flap 116 resultsin an immediate closure of the venting aperture 110. As the deformable member 74 continues its upward displacement during its reformation the prestake sure within the container 50 continually decreases. This pressure decrease, in conjunction with the atmospheric pressuretheretofore extant both within and without the reservoir of the pen being filled effects a rapid pressure. unbalance which results in an automatic evacuation of v the contents of the ink reservoir through the conduit member 84, The, evacuation of the pen reser- 91 -a q l? ib? 3 3"? ill; @Q tfiuue nt e pr s u e equal extant within the ink reservoir closely approximates that extant in the container 50.

The reformation of the deformable member 74 in its return to its static position as illustrated in Fig. 10 is relatively rapid. During the initial stages of said reformation the overlying peripheral portions of the flap 116 will effectively, if not completely, fill the shallow end of the venting channel 122. If any air does pass therethrough the amount is so small and the reformation time is so short that it has no noticeable effect on the rapidly increasing pressure unbalance.

As the deformable member 74 approaches its undeformed condition the ink reservoir will be evacuated as described above. Thereafter the pressure decrease with.- in the container 50 reaches a maximum and the action of the atmospheric ing aperture 110'and assume the configuration schematically shown in Fig. 16. Such deformation of the flap 116, however, only serves to open the venting channel 122. and topermit a rapid inflow of air into the interior of thecontainer 50 with a consequent pressure increase therein. Asthe pressure within the container gradually approaches that of the atmosphere due to the admission of air thereinthrough the venting channel 122 a pressure unbalance is created with respect to the evacuated ink reservoir of the writing instrument. The pressure increase within the container in combination with the previously, reduced pressure within the ink reservoir of v the writing instrument results in the forcing of the fluid ink 54 into said ink reservoir through the conduit 84 and in a complete filling thereof.

The maintenance of substantial pressure equalization during the downward displacement of the deformable member 74 is essential for eflicient operation of the above described unit during filling operations and also to prevent actuation of the unit by depression of the button members 192 and 104 without a writing instrument mounted thereon in filling relationship. If a pressure buildup is effected within the container depression of the pressure plate 100, fluid ink may be forced through the flattened sealing area 90 of the conduit member 84 and geyser out of the aperture 80 if the sameis open or break the seal at the aperture 843 if a writing instrument is positioned therein, with the obvious soilage hazards attendant thereto in order to minimize this possibility it is desirable to make the fiat- 'tened section 88 of the conduit member 84 of increased wall thickness so as to render the seal 90 therein of such character as, to assure that a lesser amount of pressure to actuate the within the container 50 will be required valve 114=than will be required to open the seal 90.

Figs. 17 and 18 illustrate an alternative type of valve construction which may be employed in lieu of the valve construction described in the immediately preceding embodiment of the invention. valve assembly are integral portions of the deformable member 74. More specifically, the deformable mem ber 74. is provided with a radially disposed slit 128 having the defining side walls 13!) thereof upwardly disposed relative to the upper surface of the deformable member 74 and of snmcient size of by action of atmospheric pressure whenever the pressure within the container is reduced. As shown in the drawings, the radially disposed slit is preformed so that it is normally biased in closed position absent any pressure differential between that of the atmosphere and that extant within the container 50. Although the slit 128 is normally closed, one of the upwardly directed defining side walls thereof is provided with a recessed venting channel 132, which functions in a similar manner to that of the venting channel 122heretofore described.

If this particular embodiment ofvalve structure is employed, the heretofore describedannular flange 112 may pressure upon the upper surface of therfiap 116 will tend to force the flap into the vent- 50 during- The venting aperture and to permit collapse therebe omitted and the pressure plate 100 is formed toprovide a radially] disposed narrow slit therein to accommodate the upwardly directed slit defining side wall members 130. W V

In operation of a unit equipped with this type of valve construction any pressure increase within the container resulting from downward displacement of the pressure plate 100 causes the slit 128 to-open and permit air to readily escape therethrough. Upon release of the pressure plate 100, reformation of the deformable member 74 results, as explained in detail earlier in the specification, in an initial and rapid pressure decrease within the container 50 below that of atmospheric pressure. The pressure decrease within the container 50 in conjunction with the action of atmospheric pressure externally on the upwardly directed side walls 130 of the valve will result in automatic closure of the venting aperture or slit 128 and the operational cycle will continue as heretofore described in detail'for the previously discussed embodiment. During and after reformation of the deforrnable member'74' air willleak in through the venting channel 132 topermit the desired pressure buildup within the container 50 and force fluid ink into the ink reservoir of the writing instrument being filled.

As discussed earlier in this specification, the unit illustrated in Figs. 8- 16 is, for all practical purposes, leakproof. A small amount of fluid ink, however, may be removed from the unit by turning the unit upside down and then manuallyactuating the pressure plate 100. In

order to reduce the possibility of inadvertent actuation of the pressure plate 100 when the unit is inverted, as

might possibly occur for example if the unit were dropped, the closure cap 62 may be formed as illustrated in Fig. 19. As there shown, the closure cap 62 is of increased depth and is provided with a pair of hemisphericallyshaped recesses 140 surrounding the button members 102 and:104.' Such construction places the upper surface of the closure cap 62 at a height equal to or slightly above the uppersurface of the .button members 102 and 104.

Fig. 20 illustrates a modified construction of an automa'tic writing instrument filling device incorporating the principles of this invention. In this embodiment the deformable member 144 is in the form of an annular ring having a dependent peripheral edge portion 146 adapted-to be hermetically secured to the container 148 and provided with a relatively large centrally disposed circular aperture 150.- Secured in hermetic relation to the-uppersurface of the deformable member 144 and covering theaperture 150 therein is a pressure plate gen-- erally designated 152. vThe pressure plate 152 is provided with'a pair of upwardly directedbutton members 154 and 156 disposed on either side of an upwardly directed centrally disposed annular flange or collar portion 158. The collar portion 158 is provided with an axiallydisposed bore 160 having a conduit member 162 secured thereto. The conduit member 162 is preferably of the same configuration as that of the previously described conduit member' 84- and is preferably formed of plastic or other suitable material. 3 The outer surfacejof' the collar'portion 158 is provided with an annular recess 166 adapted to receive and position in hermetic relationship the beaded periphery of a resilient deformable writing instrument-receiving member 168 mounted thereon. The

writing instrument-receiving member 168 (see Figs. 21 and22) is provided with a centrally disposed aperture 170 on the upper surface thereof overlying'the bore 160;

which is sized to deformably receive the'nib portion of a writing instrument and to provide a hermetic engagement of the barrel or-other portion of the writing instrument disposed above the nib thereof upon insertion-of the writing instrument therein as described in" detail earlier. in this specification. writing instrument-receiving member v168 is a valve flap member 172 positioned to overlie a venting aperture 174.

disposedin the surface of the pressurep'late 152.. A

closure'cap 176"apertured' a'sF-a't 178 and 180 to displace Formed integral with the ably receive the button members 154, 156 and provided with a raised central section 182 having a centrally disposed aperture 184 therein disposed in axial alignment with the aperture 170 in the writing instrument-receiving member 168 is provided to cover the above described elements and to provide a finished unit of attractive appearance. 7

As was the case in the previously described embodiment the upper surface of the pressure plate 152 is provided with a venting channel 186 similar to that illustrated in Figs. 14-16 and terminating at the venting aperture 174.

The operation of the'above-described unit is essentially similar to that described earlier in this specification for the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 8-16.

Fig. 23 illustrates another modified construction of an automatic writing instrument-filling device incorporating the principles of this invention. In this' embodiment the ink container itself is made of deformable material and the necessary pressure variations are effected by deformation of the container. As there illustrated, there is' provided a generally cylindrical ink container 183 havingmember 198 of the same general shape as heretofore described. In this embodiment the container 183, the wall section 189 thereof, the horizontally disposed plate member 188, and the conduit member 198 all constitute a single unit which maybe molded of suitable plastic I materials, such as that conventionally employed in the so-called squeeze,bottles for the dispensing of liquids.

Hermeticallymounted around the upright collar or flange portion 196 is a resilient deformable writing instrument-receiving member 200 of the type illustrated in Figs. 21, '22, formed of rubber or suitable material. The writing instrument-receiving member- 200 is provided with a centrally disposed writing instrument-receiving aperture 202 and integral flap valve 204 mounted on one side thereof and'positioned to overlie the venting aperture 194 in the horizontally disposed pressure plate 188. As was the case with the earlier described embodimerits, a venting channel is provided in the upper surface of the pressure plate 188 intersecting the venting aperture 194 therein.

In the illustrated embodiment, there is also provided. a closure member 206 having the dependent edge portions thereof secured to the container 183 and shaped to provide a.pair of hemispherically-shaped recesses 208 and 210 on the upper surface thereof surrounding the actuating buttons 190 and 192 as illustrated in Fig. 19 and described earlier in-this specification. In this embodi ment there is additionally provided a protective collar member 212 surrounding the writing instrument-receiving member and having an aperture 214 therein disposed.

in axial alignment with the writing instrument-receiving aperture 202. V

The operation of this unit is essentially similar to that described in detail for the other embodiments earlier in.

this specification except that herein a downward depres sion of the'button members 190 and 192 results in .a downward displacement of the pressure plate 188 and in an inward deformation of the side wall portions 189 and consequent volume decrease within the container.

Fig. 24 illustrates still another modified construction of an automatic writing instrument-filling device incorporating the principles of this invention. In this embodiment, the-container 220 is generally parabolic in shape and'isformed of suitable plastic material, such as that conventionally employed in the socalled squeeze" bottles for the dispensing of liquids. Dependent from the apex of the generally parabolic-shapedcontainer 2201 s a downwardly directed integral dependent sleeve member with a writing instrument-receivingaperture 234cm the' horizontally disposed upper surface thereof and an integral flat valve 236 sized and positioned to overlay a venting aperture 238 in the'sidewall of the dependent sleeve member 222.

"The upper portion of the sleeve member 222 1s provided with a relatively rigid writing lIlSll'llIXlCl'llZ-POSIUOD: ing washer 240 which serves-to position the barrel portion of a Writing instrument inserted therein and as a sealing seat for a removable closure plug 242 sized to provide a closure for said dependent sleeve 222 when the unit is in use and to cover the valve member therein.

The operation of this unit is essentially similar to that described in detail at an earlier point in the specification in conjunction with the other embodiments of the invention except that herein the reduction in volume within the container 220 is effectedby deformation of the container itself as by direct manual application of pressure to the wall portion thereof as at 244.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, I have herein described the principles of this invention, together with the elements which I now consider to constitute a workable embodiment thereof, but I desire to have it understood that the structure disclosed is only illustrative and the invention can becarried out by other means. Also, While it is designed to use the various features and elements inthe combinations and relations de scribed, some of these may be altered and modified without interfering with the more general result outlined.

' It is claimed:

1. A device for automatically filling writing instruments of the type having an ink reservoir and a writing tip in fluid communication therewith comprising an ink supply container, 2. writing instrument-receiving unit shaped to engagethe writing tip ofa writing instrument inserted therein in substantially hermetic relationship, a conduit member dependent from said writing instrumentreceiving unit for connecting the ink reservoir of a writing instrument inserted in said receiving unit in fluid communication with the interior ofsaid container, means associated with said container for effecting a volume reduction therewithin, said last-mentioned means having a pressure relief passage therein connecting the interior of said container with the atmosphere externally of said container sized to permit substantial maintenance of atmospheric pressure within said container during volume reduction thereof, valve meansresponsive to the difference said container and that within said container for selec tively closing said pressure relief passage during a volume inereasetherewithin and for permitting the pressure with in said container to return to that of the external atmosphere after the volume of said container is retu'rnedto its original volume.

"2. A device for automatically filling writing instruments of the type havng an ink reservoir and a writing tip influid communication therewith comprising an.ink supplyjcontainer, deformable means for effecting a volume decrease therewithin, a writing instrument-receiving unit haped o n a h in tip f a rit n tru e inserted therein in substantially hermetic relationship, a

in pressurebetween that of the'atrnosphere external of open end of said ink supply container and displaceable conduit mem er d n en om ai ri n strume t. receiving unit for connecting the reservoir ofawritinginstrument inserted in saidreeeiving unit in fluid cpm munication with the interior of said container, said deformable means having a pressure relief passage therein connecting the interior of said container with the atmosphere externally of said container sized to permit substantial maintenance of atmospheric pressure within said container during deformation of said deformable means effecting a volume reduction therewithin, valve means responsive to the reformation of said deformable means and to the difference in pressure between that of the atmosphere external of said container and that within said container for selectively closing said pressure relief aperture during reformation of said deformable means and'means associated withsaid valve means and vpressure relief passage for permitting the pressure Within said container to return to that of the external atmosphere subsequent to reformation of said deformable means.

3. A device for filling writing instruments of the type having an ink reservoir and a writing tip in fluid communication therewith comprising an open-ended ink supply container, deformable means hermetically secured.

to the open end of said ink supply container and displaceablethereinto for'etfecting a volume decrease therein, a Writing instrument-receiving unit mounted on said de-. formable means shaped to engage the writing tip of a writing instrument inserted therein in substantially hermetic relationship, a conduit member dependent from said writing'instrument-receiving unit for connecting the ink reservoir ofa writing instrument inserted in said receiving unit in fluid communication with the interior of said container, said deformable means having a pressure relief passage therein connecting the interior of said container with the atmosphere externally of said container sized to permit substantial maintenance of atmospheric pressure within said container during deformation of said deformable means inwardly of said container, valve means associated with said pressure relief passage responsive to the difference in pressure between that of the atmosphere external of said container and that Within said container for selectively closing said pressure relief passage during reformation of said deformable means and for permitting the pressure within said container to return to that of the external atmosphere after reformation of said deformable member to its undeformed condition.

4. The filling device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said valve means includes a flap of deformable material mounted on said deformable means and displaceably covering said pressure relief aperture therein.

5. The filling device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said pressure relief aperture is in the form of an elongate radially disposed slit having upwardly directed side walls normally biased into engagement with each other, said side walls serving as said valve means during reformation of said deformable means.

6. A device for filling writing instruments of the type having an ink reservoir and a writing tip in fluid communication therewith comprising an open-ended ink supply container, deformable means hermetically secured to the thereinto for effecting a volume decrease therein, a writing instrument-receiving unit mounted on said deformable means shaped to engage the writing tip of a writing instrument inserted therein in substantially hermetic relationship, a conduit member dependent from said writing instrument-receiving unit for connecting the ink reservoir of a writing instrument inserted in said receiving unit in fluid communication with the interior of said container, a displaceable pressure plate disposed on the upper surface of said deformable means for effecting a uniform manual displacement of said deformable means into said container, said deformable means and said pressure platehav ing an aligned pressure relief passage therein connecting the interior of said containerwith the atmosphere ternally of said container siz'edto permitsubstantial main-' phere external of said container and that within said con-.

tainer for selectively closing said pressure relief passage during reformation of said deformable means and means for permitting the pressure within said container to return to that of the external atmosphere after reformation of said deformable member to its undeformed condition.

7. The filling device as set forth in claim 6 including actuating button members disposedin extending relationship on the upper surface of saidi pressure. plate and -a recessed closure member covering said deformable means and pressure plate apertured to permit displacement of said button members relative thereto.

8. The filling device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said valve means includes a flap of deformable material mounted on the upper surface of said pressure plate and displaceably covering said pressure relief aperture therein.

9. The filling device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said conduit member is provided with a portion of the surface thereof normally biased in substantially liquid-tight sealing relationship.

10. The filling device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said last mentioned means includes a relatively small venting channel in said pressure plate intersecting said pressure relief passage therein, said channel being operatively associated with said valve means in such manner that the effective cross-sectional area thereof is determined by the disposition of said valve means relative to said pressure relief passage.

11. A device for filling writing instruments of the type having an ink reservoir and a writing tip including a nib portion in fluid communication therewith comprising an open-ended ink supply container, a deformable diaphragm hermetically secured to the open end of said ink supply container and displaceable thereinto for effecting a volume decrease therein, a writing instrument-receiving unit mounted on said deformable means shaped to receive and engage the writing tip of a writing instrument inserted therein in substantially hermetic relationship, a conduit member dependent from said writing instrumentreceiving unit shaped to receive the nib portion of a writing instrument inserted in said receiving unit and to connect the ink reservoir of said writing instrument in fluid communication with the interior of said container, a manually displaccable pressure plate disposed on the upper surface of said deformable means for effecting a uniform deformation and displacement of said deformable means into said container, said deformable means and said pressure plate having an aligned pressure relief passage therein connecting the interior of said container with the atmosphere externally of said container sized to permit substantial maintenance of atmospheric pressure within said container during deformation of said deformable means inwardly of said container, valve means mounted on said plate responsive to the difference in pressure between that of the atmosphere external of said container and that within said container for selectively closing said pressure relief passage during reformation of said deformable means and a venting channel associated with said pressure relief aperture and said valve means for permitting the pressure within said container to return to that of the external atmosphere after reformation of said deformable member to its undeformed condition.

12. A device for filling writing instruments of the type having an ink reservoir and a writing tip in fluid communication therewith comprising an open-ended ink supply container, deformable means hermetically secured to the open end of said ink supply container and displaceable thcreinto for effecting a volume decrease therein, a Writing instrument-receiving unit mounted on said deformable meansshaped to engage" the writing tip 'ofa writing instrument inserted" therein in substantially hermetic relationship, a cOnduit mem'ber dependent from said writing instrument-receiving unit for connecting the ink reservoir of a writing instrument inserted in said receiving unit in fluid communication with the interior of said container, a displaceable pressure plate disposed on the upper surface ofsaid'deformable means for effecting a uniform manual displacement of said deformable means into said container, said deformable means having an elongate radially disposed pressure relief passage therein connecting-the interior of said container with the atmosphere externally of said container sized to permit substantial'maintenance of atmospheric pressure within said container during deformation of said deformable'means inwardly of said container, said pressure relief passage:

including upwardly directed side walls sized to extend through said pressure plate and responsive to the difference in pressure between that of the atmosphere external of said container and that within said container for selectively closing said pressure relief passage during reformation of said deformable means and means associated with said side walls for permitting the pressure within said container to automatically return to that of the external atmosphere after reformation of said deformable member to its undeformed condition.

13. A device for filling writing instruments of the type having an ink reservoir and a writing tip in fluid communication therewith comprising an open-ended ink supply container, annular deformable. means peripherally secured in hermetic relation to the open end of said ink supply container, a pressure plate hermetically secured to said deformable means and displaceable into said container for effecting a volume decrease therein, a writing instrument-receiving unit mounted on said pressure plate Y shaped to engage the writing tip of a writing instrument inserted therein in substantially hermetic relationship, a conduit member dependent from said writing instrumentreceiving unit for connecting the ink reservoir of a writing instrument inserted in said receiving unit in fluid communication with the interior of said container, said pressure plate having a pressure relief passage therein connecting the interior of said container with the atmosphere externally of said container sized to permit substantial maintenance of atmospheric pressure within said container during displacement of said pressure plate and deformable means inwardly of said container, valve means mounted on said writing instrument-receiving unit responsive to the difference in pressure between that of the atmosphere external of said container and that within said container for selectively closing said pressure relief passage during reformation of said deformable means and means for permitting the pressure within said container to return to that of the external atmosphere after reformation of said deformable member to its undeformed condition.

14. A device for filling writing instruments of the type having an ink reservoir and a writing tip in fluid communication therewith comprising a deformable ink supply container responsive to manual deformation thereof for effecting a volume decrease therewithin, a writing instrument-receiving unit mounted on said container shaped to.

engage the writing tip of a writing instrument inserted therein in substantially hermetic relationship, a conduit member dependent from said writing instrument-receiving unit for connecting the ink reservoir of a writing instrument inserted in said receiving unit in fluid communication with the interior of said container, said deformable container having a pressure relief passage therein connecting the interior of said container with the atmosphere externally of said container sizedto permit substantial maintenance of atmospheric pressure within said container during deformation thereof, valve means responsive to the difference in pressure between that of the atmosphere external of said container and that within said container for-selectively closing. said'lpressnre; relieftpasssagenduringreformationof said-1 containen and:means for; permitting the pressure; within. saidzcontainento return-ton that of: the external atmosphere aftenreformeition thereof: to' itsundeformedcondition;

15. .A device forfilling;writing.instruments of, the'typehaving; an: ink; reservoirtand. a writing tip infiuid com-. munication:therewith;comprising an: ink supply containerhaving inwardly-deformable side walls; and an integral; manually displaceable pressure plate for: efiectinga vo1-- umedecrease therewithin, ,a. writing instrument-receiving unit mountedton -said.pressure plateshaped toengage: the writing tip of a. writinginstrument inserted; therein; in. substantially hermetic relationship, a conduit member; deependentfrom said writing instrumentzareceiving unit: for: connecting; the ink: reservoir. of; a;.writing-; instrumentzimmospheric .p ressureawithin said.-.container 'during deformation.of .said deformable. means; inwardly of said container, valvermeans responsivet0=the dilferencein pressure between that of the atmosphere external of said container 5 and ;that;within said-container for selectively closing said pressure-relief passage during reformation of said container and means for p ermitting the pressure within said container to. return to; that. of the external atmosphere;

after: reformationz thereof; to. its. undeformed. condition.

No. references cited. 

